Aislin tensed visibly when Rellis sat down next to her and Rellis's bluntness only made her more uncomfortable.

"I hadn't decided," she answered honestly. "I wanted first-hand observation before making a final decision. Thanks to your friends, the Lord and Lady, that has become possible. More than possible. Now I don't view either of them as idiots, but this seems to be a critical error in judgment on their part. So either I've placed my level of respect for their wisdom too high or I've somewhat underestimated their level of preparedness."

She looked around the tent and added, "Seems to be an underestimation on my part..."